Pulse Picks: Christmas Movies
In no particular order, the Pulse staff presents their favorite holiday movies:
Veronica’s Pick: Four Christmases (2008)
Who does not love a good Vince Vaughn moment? “Four Christmases” is a movie that I will never get tired of seeing. I have seen it too many times but it is still just as funny to me as it was the first time. The chaotic family dynamic is one I think a lot of people can relate to, especially during the holidays. And the fact that an all-star cast plays that crazy family? Iconic. Watch it and thank me later.
America’s Pick: Holiday Rush
A rom-com that displays how in one family, kids are making Christmas lists with luxury gifts, while another struggles with their father losing his DJ radio job. After having to leave their wealthy life behind, the kids realize that the true luxury of Christmas is being surrounded by family and love.
Carlos’ Pick: Die Hard (1988)
“Die Hard” may not be your traditional holiday movie, however, it is set during the Christmas season. (Christmas Eve + decor + holiday party = Christmas movie. Change my mind.) Although it is an action film, I still think it can be enjoyed by everyone. Also, it reminds us that you can be enjoying yourself at a party and a major heist/hostage takeover can happen at any time.
Nina’s Pick: The Holiday (2006)
In a world full of hopeless romantics, “The Holiday” is the perfect movie for anyone that finds themselves single this holiday season. It is the type of movie that you can watch snuggled up in your favorite throw blanket, on your sofa and eating a pint of mint chocolate ice cream. *Spoiler alert* It will break your heart at times, like when you watch Iris pine over a narcissistic man who does not deserve her. Iris’s character is relatable to anyone that has often loved more than they should have in a relationship. In one of the strongest scenes of the film, Iris delivers a deep monologue that, 17 years later, is still as impactful to anyone who has suffered from unrequited love and is discovering both the pain and the power in letting someone go.
Briana’s Pick: Love Actually (2003)
A classic rom-com that intertwines the lives of several, from the secretary of a prime minister, to the average mom of 2. This movie feels like a warm hug to all the hopeless romantics out there. You cannot help but relate to these characters as they weave their way through life trying to finding themselves, their purpose and their true love. It is an eye-opener indeed. Love actually is all around.
Gonzalo’s Pick: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a classic. It is no surprise that a Tim Burton film would be an amazing experience for first-time viewers and even so on rewatch. The animation is stunning and the story is beautiful; it captures the spirit of Christmas very well. The fact that it doubles as a Halloween movie makes it even better.
Vanessa’s Pick: How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
The 1966 version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is my favorite because it truly captures the look, feel, and writing of the original book. The version with Jim Carrey is good but only because he carried with his role as the Grinch. Illumination studios’ version did capture the style, but the writing was poor.
JC’s Pick: A Christmas Story (1983)
Set in the 1940’s, “A Christmas Story” features a kid named Ralphie and his memorable experience leading up to the holidays. His one wish: a “Red Ryder” air rifle. With its gags, set pieces, and overall charming plot, this movie has held up as a great Christmas film to see. My brother and I will always give it a watch when the season comes in.
Olivia’s Pick: Silver Lining’s Playbook (2012)
While “Silver Linings Playbook” is technically not a Christmas movie, it has the elements of one. The film tells the story of Pat, a man with bipolar disorder, trying to get back on his feet after an eight month long stint in a mental hospital. One of the main plot points follows Pat as he navigates his relationship with the complicated but alluring Tiffany, a family friend. It features a large cast of loving family and friends and themes of hope, fate and redemption.
The film’s message is that life is worth living, even if you are not perfect. It ends with a love confession and Pat and Tiffany embracing in the middle of an empty street covered in twinkling Christmas decorations. If that does not get you into the holiday spirit, I do not know what will. Happy Holidays!
Marissa’s Pick: Batman Returns (1992)
“Batman Returns” is one of the best of the ‘90s Batman’s and of Christmas movies, although it may not seem like one to some. It stars Michael Keaton as Batman, Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman and Danny DeVito as the Penguin. This movie feels like a weird dream where you wake up but realize you are still dreaming. Tim Burton built the world of Gotham to be an absurdist nightmare, which is a delight to see and see and see. I could watch it over and over and still laugh every time.
Andrea’s Pick: The Family Man (2000)
As soon as it marks December, every year my dad forces me and my brother to watch his favorite holiday movie: “The Family Man.” He would laugh so loud at Jack Campbell’s cheesy lines and imagine a life similar to his.
It tells the story of a man who goes to sleep one night as a wealthy, career-driven bachelor only to awake in a parallel universe where he marries the love of his life and becomes a family man.
“The Family Man” has taught me the valuable lesson that family is more important than anything. When Jack must choose between his fast-lane career or his crazy family of five, we truly see the power of love that shines in the holidays.
Finch’s Pick: A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
There is something so down-to-Earth about this one that separates it from other Christmas movies. With the commercialization of the holidays becoming increasingly worse, it is nice to see a film that reminds us of what really matters during this season: being together. It is not flashy items or fancy celebrations. This movie really exemplifies that. It is also one of the few times Charlie Brown gets to enjoy a holiday, and I think he deserves it.
